Parenting Style and Alarming Rise in Suicides: A Call for Change

In an increasingly complex fast-paced world, the wellbeing of our children is of paramount importance. The rising rates of suicide among children have become a disheartening reality that cannot be ignored. Recent statistics and studies reveal this distressing trend. The NCRB (2021) data showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 31 children died by suicide every day in 2020, with a total of 11,396 deaths across the year. This is an 18% increase from 9613 such deaths in 2019 and a 21% increase from the figure of 9413 such deaths in 2018.

The increased rate in 2020 is a dramatic rise compared to the suicide rate among children during the past 5 years. Reports show challenges faced by young people during the Covid pandemic include an increase in early marriage, child labour, abuse and increased rates of dropout from school. Those whose school or college was an escape were now stuck at home for extended periods with limited access to their peers and limited autonomy or privacy at home.

The NCRB data on suicides by children are of an alarming concern emphasizing the vulnerability of this age group to social and psychological distress. The main reported causes of suicide among children included ‘family problems’, ‘love affairs’ and ‘illness’. The abrupt switch to online education, in a country where only 8.5% of children had access to the internet may have limited access to education and this may be one of the reasons for this increase.

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The increased suicides linked to professional concerns may arise from circumstances around the pandemic, such as loss of work opportunities or increased work stress. While efforts have been made toward suicide prevention, they have been insufficient. The data highlights the almost equal vulnerability of children to suicide, irrespective of gender.

While numerous factors contribute to this distressing trend, the role of parenting style in shaping a child’s mental health cannot be ignored. It is crucial that we delve into this critical issue and explore how our parenting approaches can either mitigate or exacerbate the risk of suicide in children, urging parents and society as a whole to take a protective approach towards nurturing our children’s emotional well-being. This article aims to raise awareness about this critical issue and emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures to support our children’s mental health.

The Complex Relationship

Parenting is an extraordinary journey filled with love, joy, and responsibility. As parents, we strive to provide our children with the best possible upbringing, ensuring their well-being and success. However, recent studies have shed light on a concerning correlation between parenting styles and the prevalence of suicidal tendencies in children. Parenting styles significantly influence a child’s development, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.

They are the diverse approaches that parents adopt to raise and guide their children. While the intricacies of each child’s journey differ, the way parents nurture and guide their children can significantly influence their vulnerability to suicidal tendencies. Research has identified four primary parenting styles: Authoritarian, Permissive, Neglect and Authoritative. Let’s examine the various parenting styles and their potential effects on children’s mental health.

Authoritarian Parenting

Relies heavily on strict rules, discipline, and an emphasis on obedience. While structure can be beneficial, an overly authoritarian approach can lead to adverse consequences. When parental control is excessive and demands are unreasonably high, children may develop feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and an overwhelming fear of failure. Children raised under such parenting styles may experience feelings of powerlessness, low self-worth, and excessive pressure to meet high expectations that may lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in vulnerable children.

Permissive Parenting

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies permissive parenting. Permissive parents are often characterized by their leniency and a lack of consistent rules or boundaries. While it is important to foster independence, an overly permissive parenting style can leave children without structure or guidance. While well-intentioned, this laissez-faire style may fail to provide the guidance and support children need. Without appropriate guidance, children may struggle with self-control, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, potentially increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts.

Authoritative Parenting

Strikes a balance between setting expectations and offering emotional support. Characterized by a balance of warmth, support, and age-appropriate rules, authoritative parenting has consistently been associated with positive outcomes for children. This approach encourages open communication, sets clear boundaries, and promotes independence. Children raised in authoritative households are more likely to develop resilience, self-confidence, and a reduced risk of suicidal tendencies.

Neglectful Parenting

Involves a lack of emotional support, supervision, and engagement. Children raised in such environments often suffer from feelings of abandonment, low self-worth, and a profound sense of isolation poses a significant risk to a child’s mental well-being and heightens the risk of suicidal tendencies.

Studies have identified that there are several parenting factors, which are responsible for suicidal behaviour among children and adolescents. Some studies revealed that authoritarian parenting style is one of the predictors of suicidal behaviour among the participants, and one study reported that authoritarian parenting style was found to be a resilient factor.

(Arafat et al., 2022; Banstola, Ogino & Inoue, 2020; Choi et al., 2020; Donath et al., 2014, Gui et al., 2022) Dominating and flexible parenting styles were also associated with higher suicidal behaviour according to two different studies, and two studies reported that a permissive style of parenting is also a contributing factor for suicidal ideation among participants.

(Perquier et al., 2021) Other significant factors reported by other studies are paternal criticism, less caring and overprotective nature of parents, parental neglect, lack of adequate supervision single mother upbringing, less maternal affection, overprotectiveness, the curvilinear relationship between parental involvement, maternal overcontrol, low paternal warmth, and negative child-rearing practices, physical punishment from the parents, indirect association between childhood maltreatment, demanding parenting, and abuse from parents.

Read More: What is Yes Parenting?

The way forward: Mental health support for shaping a Resilient Future

It is crucial to recognize that the impact of parenting styles on children’s mental health is not deterministic. While parents play a pivotal role, various factors contribute to a child’s well-being. By adopting proactive approaches, we can mitigate the risk of suicidal tendencies and nurture resilience in our children. Resilience is a key protective factor against suicidal tendencies in children. Here are some effective strategies parents can employ to nurture resilience in their children.

1. Education and Awareness: Parents need access to information about the potential consequences of different parenting styles on children’s mental health. Education programs, workshops, and support groups can help parents gain insights into effective parenting strategies that prioritize emotional well-being.
2. Fostering Open Dialogue: Creating an environment of trust and open communication is paramount. Parents must actively listen to their children’s concerns, validate their emotions, and provide support without judgment. Regular conversations about mental health and well-being will help children feel heard and understood.
3. Seeking Professional Help: Recognizing the signs of distress or potential suicidal tendencies is crucial. Parents should be vigilant and ready to seek professional help when necessary. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, intervention, and therapy tailored to the specific needs of each child.
4. Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns. Be approachable and non-judgmental, and encourage dialogue about mental health topics. Promote awareness of available resources and support systems.
5. Set Realistic Expectations: Help your child set achievable goals and celebrate their progress. Avoid putting excessive pressure on them to excel in every aspect of their lives. Encourage them to develop a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal well-being.
6. Promoting Emotional Intelligence: Encouraging the development of emotional intelligence is vital. Teaching children to identify and express their emotions, as well as providing them with the tools to cope with life’s challenges, can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal tendencies.
7. Cultivate Empathy: Parents must prioritize empathy and emotional attunement, recognizing and validating their child’s feelings. By providing a safe space for open communication, we can foster trust and understanding, enabling our children to share their struggles and seek support when needed.
8. Permissive Parenting: Help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as problem-solving skills, stress management techniques, and emotional regulation strategies. Encourage activities that promote relaxation, creativity, and self-expression.
9. Establish Clear Boundaries: Provide consistent and age-appropriate rules and boundaries that promote structure and discipline. Clear expectations can foster a sense of security and help children develop a strong internal compass.
10. Cultivate Emotional Connection: Foster a warm and empathetic relationship with your child. Actively listen to their concerns, validate their emotions, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment.

Conclusion

The escalating rates of child suicide demand immediate attention and action. Existing evidence indicates that various parenting styles play a significant role in fostering suicidal behaviour. Dominating, flexible, and permissive parenting have been linked to increased risks. Additionally, inconsistent parenting, parental neglect, being raised by a single mother, and overprotective parenting have been identified as key factors contributing to the risk of suicidal behaviour.

An intriguing study by Kim (2019) revealed a curvilinear relationship between parental involvement and suicidal behaviour. While an optimal level of parental support and involvement can buffer stress and reduce suicidal tendencies, excessive involvement may hinder autonomy and self-efficacy, leading to adverse psychological outcomes. Gendered effects have also been observed in this relationship, with the protective effects of parent-child relationships being marginally stronger among girls than boys. Interestingly, in low-income countries compared to middle- and high-income countries, the quality of parenting exerts lesser effects on adolescent suicidal behaviour. (Huang et al, 2019) Evidence has also suggested that authoritarian and rejecting-neglecting parenting styles are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour (Baumrind, 1991).

As child suicides continue to rise, it is crucial to recognize the critical impact of parenting styles on a child’s mental health. Cultivating an authoritative parenting style that combines support, guidance, and emotional connection can serve as a protective factor against suicidal tendencies. It is our collective responsibility as parents and as a society to prioritize the emotional well-being of our children, creating a nurturing environment where they can flourish and find hope for a brighter future.

Let us place their well-being at the forefront, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges and fostering an environment that nurtures their growth. By doing so, we can collectively work towards a safer and more nurturing environment for our children to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.